Spermaceti Wax (E909): What It Is and Is It Safe?
Spermaceti is a wax obtained historically from the head cavity of the sperm whale, once used as a glazing agent and in cosmetics. Its use ceased with the international protection of sperm whales and the ban on commercial whaling. Chemically it is an inert wax ester with no specific dietary toxicity, but it is obsolete and has no current food-additive authorisation.
- Category
- Glazing Agent — Obsolete animal wax
- Typically used in
- Historic glazing agent (obsolete).
- Regulatory status
- Obsolete and not authorised as a food additive in the EU/UK; sourcing prohibited as sperm whales are a protected species.
Scrannr flags Spermaceti Wax automatically when you scan a barcode.
Where this comes from
- Food Standards Agency (2024) — Approved additives and E numbers https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/approved-additives-and-e-numbers
Products containing Spermaceti Wax
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